Aussie Soldiers Bowled British, Claim Desert Ashes

Aussie Soldiers Claim 'Desert Ashes'

Darwin-based Aussie soldiers needed just 55 balls to complete a nine wicket victory to claim the 'Desert Ashes' urn, a replica of the Ashes trophy.

The Australians bowled the British out for just 92 runs in 15 overs, and needed only 55 balls for the loss of one wicket to clinch the 'Desert Ashes' urn.

The 'Desert Ashes' was played at the Australian Camp Terendak in southern Iraq, on Friday 14 September.

The best 11 from the Australian Overwatch Battle Group (West), and cricketers form the British Army's 1st Brigade (Forward) based at Basrah were selected to play in the match.

Cricket Australia provided the Australian players with the playing strip.

Captain Marco De Freitas, of 5 RAR in Darwin was the pick of the bowlers claiming 4 wickets for 12 runs, including a wicket of his first over.

Commanding Officer of the OBG(W)-3, Lieutenant Colonel Jake Ellwood, joked that the match was the first time that an Australian Battle Group of 515 personnel had routed a British Brigade of 5000.

More than 600 Coalition soldiers watched the game that raised US$10,000 for local charities.

The Desert Ashes is an annual cricket event staged by the Australian and British armies in southern Iraq.

Approximately 515 personnel, drawn mostly from Darwin's 1st Brigade, make up the Overwatch Battle Group (West).

The battle group is helping the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Provincial Governments build a secure and stable Iraq.

ENDS

© Scoop Media